I have dedicated my life to the basic belief that by putting principles into action, we can give every individual the opportunity to achieve their dreams. A third-generation Marylander, my parents taught me the value of public service, fairness and honesty, as well as hard work and playing by the rules. For the last five years, I have had the honor of representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate. I have a record of success working across party lines, despite the gridlock.
My assignments on the Senate Finance, Budget, Environment & Public Works, Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and Foreign Relations Committees have allowed me to promote policies, legislation and programs that help grow our economy and create job opportunities, as well as support small businesses, protect our middle class, and our most vulnerable citizens; maintain clean air and clean water; expand opportunities for public transit and energy independence; and protect civil rights.
Among my many proud accomplishments, I was successful in getting a guaranteed dental benefit included in the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. I wrote the law that established the Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities at NIH. The America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included my amendments to provide first-time homebuyers with an $8,000 tax credit, which was later extended through April 2010. Also included in ARRA was my amendment to raise the cap on surety bonds for small businesses from $2 million to $5 million.